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Tuesday Tips: Princess Doesn't Have To Be Disney

Random Tuesday Tip, kind of. See where I go with this one. At around the age of three my daughter discovered Princesses, namely Disney Princesses. We have a whole Pottery Barn Tote full of dress ups, our poor regular Barbies have been overshadowed by Princess Barbies, and yes the dvd collection has grown up from Baby Einstein (Disney) to Disney Princess This or That. (If you are new around here, click those links, I promise a good laugh.)

Now mind you, I am not anti-Disney or anti-Disney Princess, but my goodness does Disney need to have the entire Princess market? Can't we delve into regular princess stories, original folk tales handed down by generations with out all the bling and marketing to back it up? That's really what gets me. The down your throat marketing, the "oh I have to have this", or "can we just walk through the Disney Store" whines. Trust me, I am not filling my house with all things princess, Sj is outgrowing her princess phase (there is hope for you in the thick of it), and now I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But innate to every Princess story, with the exception of all the poor mothers, is the story of hope and most often a happy ending. I would love to know what was up with Walt's mother, but that's an entirely different post. So, I seem to get a little soft when it comes to some Princess things.

Sj was recently given a game, by HABA one of my favorite toy makers, called Sleepy Princess and The Pea. For the record this game was made in Germany, but not all Haba products are made there. It's recommended for ages 3-12, 2-4 players.

The premise of playing is fairly simple, put down the bed frame with the little pea inside, and each person takes a turn stacking the cushions on top of one another, building the bed up. It helps build fine motor skills, patience, and confidence. The bonus is all the laughs that seem to accompany play during the game, especially if it's Mommy that makes the bed crash down.

As the holiday season is fast approaching, keep in mind your toy selections. One of my favorite mantras to ask myself when purchasing a toy is, Is it beautiful? I can tell you this wooden and cloth alternative princess sure is.

Sadly my girls have outgrown the princess stage but I do always look for boy toys with wood and cloth--have you discovered automoblox yet? That is the coolest toy ever--even the girls that come to play with my son can't stop playing with those :)

Sadly my girls have outgrown the princess stage but I do always look for boy toys with wood and cloth--have you discovered automoblox yet? That is the coolest toy ever--even the girls that come to play with my son can't stop playing with those :)

J is just starting with the fascination with princesses. So far, we've kept the Disney stuff to a minimum, but we'll see how that goes. Usborne Books have a lot of princess stories and sticker books that we love (especially their Book of Princess Stories) www.bellabooks4kids.com

The Paper Bag Princess is also a must have "classic" about a very strong and independent princess. I LOVE it!

I think this game looks fantastic. I love Haba stuff. Adding it to the Christmas ideas list. Thanks!

I'll have to check with Tom, who knows all things Disney, but Walt had mother issues because (I think) she died of carbon monoxide poisoning in the new house he built for his parents. Don't EVEN get me started on the lack of mothers in Disney movies. And don't bring up Bambi or Dumbo; I won't even allow those in my house.

I love princesses. I love Disney. I love Disney princesses. That game looks really neat. And she might be a bit young for it now, but you should check out the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede I think it is. (Dealing with Dragons, Calling on Dragons...can't remember all four titles) But it's a great series about a different kind of princess. And of course, there are dragons. :) Lots of fun. Might be a good read-aloud with Mommy kind of book.